Bonnie Willhite

Feb. 6, 1933 – July 28, 2010

POSTEDJuly 30, 2010 10:53 p.m.

Bonnie Willhite passed away on July 28, 2010. She was born Feb. 6, 1933 in Riverside to Done and Hester (Donnell) Lewis. Her mortal life on this earth ended with the promise of immortality given to her by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bonnie was a pioneer of the early Head Start Program for pre-school children at the Delhi Head Start for 17 years. She then worked in the field of data auditing for Blue Shield of California. She was forced into early retirement at age 56 due to chronic ailments from childhood. As she worked and raised her family, Bonnie also furthered her education. She graduated from Turlock Adult School and then attended both Modesto Junior College and Merced Junior College. She also acquired many units from Stanislaus State University and San Jose State University. Bonnie is survived by four of her six children, Deborah Sexton, William Lee Willhite, Pamela Jean Bell and Andrea Gail Magana, all of whom live in Turlock; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Hester (Donnell) Lewis; daughters, Christine Sexton and Jessie Vannnest; grandson, Brian Watson; twin brother, Reverend John Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brothers, Irving Thomas Lewis of Riverside, Alvin Samuel Lewis of San Joaquin County, Lyman “Beanie” Herbert Lewis of San Bernardino and Billy Francis Lewis of Kissee Mills, Mo.; sisters, Eleanor Lee Mills of Riverside, Lillie Ruth McAllister of Denham Springs, La. and Margaret “Donna” Ann Wattles; and her husband, Billy Joe Willhite, with whom she shared 52 years of life and marriage.Visitation and viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, Bonnie has requested that donations be sent to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements made by Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Service.